How to remove the BlankBot trojan from your Android device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is BlankBot?
BlankBot is an Android-specific trojan. It has RAT (Remote Access Trojan) and data-stealer capabilities. BlankBot is a versatile tool that can extract various information from infected devices. Evidence suggests that this trojan mainly targets Turkish users; however, different variants could be geared towards victims from other locales.
BlankBot malware overview
BlankBot has anti-analysis abilities, such as detecting when it is launched on virtual machines. Additionally, parts of the trojan's code are obfuscated and include code bloat.
As most Android-targeting programs, BlankBot abuses the Android Accessibility Services. They are designed to provide additional aid with device interaction to users who require it. These services can variously manipulate devices, e.g., read the screen, simulate the touchscreen, produce keyboard output, etc.
Therefore, by utilizing these services – the malware gains all their functionalities. Once BlankBot is installed on a device, it requests Accessibility permissions to "run properly". After being granted them, the trojan displays a dark screen alerting the victim that an update is underway. In the background, the malware gives itself a variety of permissions relating to the camera, contacts, microphone, phone, SMSes, and storage.
As Android operating system versions 13 and newer have protective measures against activity of this kind, BlankBot asks permission to install apps from third-party sources – once permitted, it retrieves a malicious APK file stored inside the app assets directory.
BlankBot's persistence-ensuring mechanism is facilitated through the Android Accessibility Services, which are abused to prevent victims from accessing application settings, anti-virus software, and performing other actions.
BlankBot begins its malicious operations by collecting relevant device data, e.g., phone brand and model, operating system version, screen size, battery level, installed applications, contact lists, etc.
The trojan can execute various commands on compromised systems, including (but not limited to): requesting permissions, modifying settings, waking the device, performing gestures/actions/clicks, opening and uninstalling apps, managing SMSes, etc.
BlankBot can read, delete, and send text messages. As it can send SMSes, BlankBot could be used as Toll Fraud malware – however, as of the time of writing, it has not been used in this capacity.
The program is capable of recording victims' screens, even live-streaming them. Keylogging abilities (keystroke recording) are among BlankBot's arsenal as well. Most Android trojans that are able to perform keylogging do so by relying on the Accessibility Services, but BlankBot uses a custom virtual keyboard for this purpose.
What is more, this malware can display overlay screens. Essentially, it can retrieve phishing screens from its C&C (Command and Control) server, which are placed atop apps/websites and record the information that victims enter.
This functionality can be used to obtain the device lock pattern, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), credit/debit card numbers, banking data, 2FA/MFA (Two/Multi-Factor Authentication) codes, OTPs (One-Time Passwords), and other sensitive data.
It is noteworthy that malware developers commonly improve upon their tools and methodologies. Furthermore, there is evidence indicating that BlankBot is still in active development. Hence, potential future iterations of this trojan could have additional/different functionalities and features.
To summarize, the presence of software like BlankBot on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | BlankBot malware |
| Threat Type | Android malware, trojan, malicious application. |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), DrWeb (Android.BankBot.BlankBot.1.origin), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/Spy.Banker.CXK), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Agent.qp), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | The device is running slow, system settings are modified without user's permission, questionable applications appear, data and battery usage is increased significantly. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, deceptive applications, scam websites. |
| Damage | Stolen personal information (private messages, logins/passwords, etc.), decreased device performance, battery is drained quickly, decreased Internet speed, huge data losses, monetary losses, stolen identity (malicious apps might abuse communication apps). |
| Malware Removal (Android) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your mobile device with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Android-specific malware examples
We have investigated thousands of malware samples; BingoMod, GuardZoo, Mandrake, Snowblind, and Rafel are merely some of our latest articles on Android-targeting programs.
Malware can be versatile or have an incredibly narrow purpose. Yet regardless of how malicious software operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.
How did BlankBot infiltrate my device?
BlankBot has been observed infiltrating devices under the guise of utility applications (other disguises are not unlikely). However, the distribution methods used to spread this trojan are currently unknown. Phishing and social engineering are standard in malware proliferation. Malicious programs are usually presented as or bundled with legitimate/innocent-sounding content.
Malware is predominantly distributed through drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), online scams, malvertising, malicious attachments/links in spam mail (e.g., emails, SMSes, PMs/DMs, etc.), pirated content, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
It is pertinent to mention that malicious apps may be encountered on genuine download channels (e.g., Google Play, etc.). While their longevity on such platforms tends to be short (due to swift removal and existing security measures) – cyber criminals may still deem it profitable enough.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly advise researching software by reading terms and user/expert reviews, checking necessary permissions, verifying developer legitimacy, etc. All downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. We recommend activating and updating programs using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties may contain malware.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links found in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.
We must stress the importance of having a dependable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats.
Quick menu:
- Introduction
- How to delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser?
- How to disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser?
- How to reset the Chrome web browser?
- How to delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser?
- How to disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser?
- How to reset the Firefox web browser?
- How to uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications?
- How to boot the Android device in "Safe Mode"?
- How to check the battery usage of various applications?
- How to check the data usage of various applications?
- How to install the latest software updates?
- How to reset the system to its default state?
- How to disable applications that have administrator privileges?
Delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.
Tap "Clear browsing data", select "ADVANCED" tab, choose the time range and data types you want to delete and tap "Clear data".
Disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "Settings" in the opened dropdown menu.
Scroll down until you see "Site settings" option and tap it. Scroll down until you see "Notifications" option and tap it.
Find the websites that deliver browser notifications, tap on them and click "Clear & reset". This will remove permissions granted for these websites to deliver notifications. However, once you visit the same site again, it may ask for a permission again. You can choose whether to give these permissions or not (if you choose to decline the website will go to "Blocked" section and will no longer ask you for the permission).
Reset the Chrome web browser:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you find "Chrome" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.
Tap "MANAGE STORAGE", then "CLEAR ALL DATA" and confirm the action by taping "OK". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.
Delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.
Scroll down until you see "Clear private data" and tap it. Select data types you want to remove and tap "CLEAR DATA".
Disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser:
Visit the website that is delivering browser notifications, tap the icon displayed on the left of URL bar (the icon will not necessarily be a "Lock") and select "Edit Site Settings".
In the opened pop-up opt-in the "Notifications" option and tap "CLEAR".
Reset the Firefox web browser:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you find "Firefox" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.
Tap "CLEAR DATA" and confirm the action by taping "DELETE". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.
Uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see a potentially unwanted and/or malicious application, select it and tap "Uninstall". If, for some reason, you are unable to remove the selected app (e.g., you are prompted with an error message), you should try using the "Safe Mode".
Boot the Android device in "Safe Mode":
The "Safe Mode" in Android operating system temporarily disables all third-party applications from running. Using this mode is a good way to diagnose and solve various issues (e.g., remove malicious applications that prevent users you from doing so when the device is running "normally").
Push the "Power" button and hold it until you see the "Power off" screen. Tap the "Power off" icon and hold it. After a few seconds the "Safe Mode" option will appear and you'll be able run it by restarting the device.
Check the battery usage of various applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Device maintenance" and tap it.
Tap "Battery" and check the usage of each application. Legitimate/genuine applications are designed to use as low energy as possible in order to provide the best user experience and to save power. Therefore, high battery usage may indicate that the application is malicious.
Check the data usage of various applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Connections" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Data usage" and select this option. As with battery, legitimate/genuine applications are designed to minimize data usage as much as possible. This means that huge data usage may indicate presence of malicious application. Note that some malicious applications might be designed to operate when the device is connected to wireless network only. For this reason, you should check both Mobile and Wi-Fi data usage.
If you find an application that uses a lot of data even though you never use it, then we strongly advise you to uninstall it as soon as possible.
Install the latest software updates:
Keeping the software up-to-date is a good practice when it comes to device safety. The device manufacturers are continually releasing various security patches and Android updates in order to fix errors and bugs that can be abused by cyber criminals. An outdated system is way more vulnerable, which is why you should always be sure that your device's software is up-to-date.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Software update" and tap it.
Tap "Download updates manually" and check if there are any updates available. If so, install them immediately. We also recommend to enable the "Download updates automatically" option - it will enable the system to notify you once an update is released and/or install it automatically.
Reset the system to its default state:
Performing a "Factory Reset" is a good way to remove all unwanted applications, restore system's settings to default and clean the device in general. However, you must keep in mind that all data within the device will be deleted, including photos, video/audio files, phone numbers (stored within the device, not the SIM card), SMS messages, and so forth. In other words, the device will be restored to its primal state.
You can also restore the basic system settings and/or simply network settings as well.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "About phone" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Reset" and tap it. Now choose the action you want to perform:
"Reset settings" - restore all system settings to default;
"Reset network settings" - restore all network-related settings to default;
"Factory data reset" - reset the entire system and completely delete all stored data;
Disable applications that have administrator privileges:
If a malicious application gets administrator-level privileges it can seriously damage the system. To keep the device as safe as possible you should always check what apps have such privileges and disable the ones that shouldn't.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Lock screen and security" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Other security settings", tap it and then tap "Device admin apps".
Identify applications that should not have administrator privileges, tap them and then tap "DEACTIVATE".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My Android device is infected with BlankBot malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal rarely requires formatting.
What are the biggest issues that BlankBot malware can cause?
The threats associated with an infection depend on the malicious program's capabilities and the attackers' modus operandi. BlankBot is a versatile trojan with multiple malicious functionalities, such as granting remote access, screen-recording/streaming, data phishing via overlays, keylogging, etc. Generally, malware of this kind can cause severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of BlankBot malware?
In most cases, malware is used to generate revenue. However, cyber criminals can also utilize malicious software for their own amusement or to carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., sites, services, companies, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did BlankBot malware infiltrate my Android device?
Malware is primarily spread via drive-by downloads, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), spam mail, online scams, malvertising, pirated programs/media, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to scan devices and eliminate all kinds of threats. It is capable of detecting and removing most of the known malware infections. Note that performing a complete system scan is essential since sophisticated malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.
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